Religion and African Identity: A Reflection on Nigerian Situation

Chizaram Onyekwere Oliver Uche, Paul Ikechukwu Ogugua

Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Department of Religion and Human Relations, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/ojpp.2013.31A040                

Abstract

The thrust of this paper is to take a reflection on Nigerian situation of religion and African identity. This systematic and functional position has become necessary in view of rich and deep insight into social functions of religion in building African cultural identity in a globalized world. This exploratory survey makes use of literary, sociological and historical methods and analyzed through culture centred approach. The result shows that religion has rich social functions and if fully tapped will build a cohesive society and progressive African identity based on African cultural values. This will be achieved through collaborative effort of all sundry.

Keywords

Religion; Identity; African Identity; Reflection; Nigerian Situation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Adegbite, J. A. (1971). Education for public morality. In J. A. Akingelu, O. A. Nduka et al. (Eds.), New perspectives in moral education.
[2]	Ajibola, A. D. (1975). The myth of the cross. Pakistan: Islamic Publications Ltd.
[3]	Akinpelu, J. A. (1983). Values in Nigeria society. New perspective in moral education led by O. A. Nduka et al.
[4]	Arinze, F. (1970). Sacrifice in Ibo Religion. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press.
[5]	Awolalu, J. O. (1972). The African traditional view of man. Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies, 6, 2.
[6]	Barker, E. (1961). The politics of Aristotle Oxford.
[7]	Basden, G. T. (1966). Among the Ibos of Nigeria. London: Frank Coss & Co. Ltd.
[8]	Bought, A. C. (1941). Comparative religion. Middlesex: Penguin Books.
[9]	Dukoh, M. (2010). African philosophy in the global village. Berlin: Lambert Academic Publishing.
[10]	Erhueh, A. O. (1989). The dignity of the human person. Theology contemporary Nigerian society. Bulletin of Ecumenical, 2, 2.
[11]	Etienne, G. (1960). The breakdown of morals and Christian education. New York: Danbleday & Co.
[12]	Ezeani, G. B. (1986). The freedom fighters. Ibadan: Juddy Best Publishers.
[13]	Ezeanya, S. N. (1976). The dignity of man in the traditional religion of Africa (Unpublished article). U. N. N.
[14]	Ezeanya, S. N. (1979). The contribution of African traditional religion to nation building. In V. C. Chukwulozie (Ed.), Nigerian dialogue. U. N. N.: Nigerian Secretariat for non-Christians.
[15]	Flannery, A. (1975). Vatican council II. Dublin: Dominican Publications.
[16]	Fulton, S. (1954). Peace of soul. New York: Image Books.
[17]	Iheoma, E. O. (1983). Summary of the plenary session dismmision. In O. A. Nduka et al. (Eds.), New Perspectives in moral education.
[18]	Iheoma, E. O. (1995). Moral education. Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishers.
[19]	John, P. J. (1970). Bishop Shanaham of Southern Nigeria. Dublin: Elo Press Ltd.
[20]	Mbiti, J. S. (1970). African religion and philosophy. London: Heinemann.
[21]	Mbiti, J. S. (1975). An introduction to Africa traditional religion.
[22]	Mbiti, J. S. (1982). Introduction to African religion. London: Heinemann.
[23]	Nwokolo, C. (1984). On the nation’s moral decay and economic failure: A challenge to Universities. The Guardian, 18 March.
[24]	Ogugua, B. I. (year). Globalization: Is it enough? Unpublished article.
[25]	Okolo, C. B. (1979). Christianity and nationa-building: A perspective. In Chukwulozie (Ed.), Nigerian dialogue.
[26]	Okoye, G. M. P. (1977). The Christian and sense of responsibility. Lenten Pastoral.
[27]	Oladipo, O. (1995). Religion and human right: The Nigeria experience. Lagos: Joja Educational.
[28]	Omeregbe, J. I. (1993). A philosophical look at religion research & publishers Ltd.
[29]	Paulo, F. (1973). Pedagogy of the oppressed (Trans myrrh Bergman Ramous). New York: Seabury Press.
[30]	Pope VI, F. (1968). Message of his Holiness Pope Paul VI to all the peoples of Africa for the promotion of religious, Civil and social good of their Continent Vatican City.
[31]	Porringer, E. C. (1970). Monotheism and Pantheism in Africa. Journal of Religion in Africa, 11, 2.
[32]	Sceiermacher, F. D. (1963). The Christian faith. New York: Harper & Row.
[33]	Uche, O. O. C. (2006). The dynamics of religion as a matrix of culture. In N. Ojiakor, & Iyke (Eds.), Readings in Nigeria peoples and culture. Enugu: NGIB Publishers.
[34]	Uche, O. O. C. (2007). Preservation of African cultural values in the 21st Century. In N. Ojiakor (Eds.), Salient issues in Nigerian history, culture and socio political development. Enugu: Emmy Angel Publishers.
[35]	Uche, O. O. C. (2009a). Basic belief system in African traditional religion. In F. Aghamelu, & C. Asomugha (Eds.), Readings in African thought and culture. Enugu: Strong Tower.
[36]	Uche, O. O. C. (2009b). The socio-religious significance of taboos in Nigeria. In F. Aghamelu, & C. Asomugha (Eds.), Readings in African thought and culture. Enugu: Strong Tower.
[37]	Uche, O. O. C. (2011). Religion and sustainable development in Nigeria; a functionalist prospective. In A. B. C. Chiegbuka, T. C. Utoh Ezeajuah, & M. S. Ogene (Eds.), The humanities and sustainable development (pp. 350-359). Nimo: Rex Charles and Patrick.
[38]	Von Rad, G. (1965). Genesis: A commentary. Philadelphia: Westminster Press.